Hanging Roses Flower Ball Tutorial
{Hanging Roses Tutorial}
I was browsing blogs a couple weeks back and found a post about these great hand made crepe paper roses on this cute scrapbooking blog! Homespun with Heart The second I saw them I KNEW what I was gonna do!
I have had these Styrofoam ball forms for a while now, and thought I would do cute flowers all over them, and hang them in the twins’ room. But sadly, the flower idea was pretty expensive.
Especially because I wanted to do three of them.
SO I thought this was a great, thrifty alternative!
And I LOVE how they turned out!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Styrofoam ball forms
Crepe paper streamers in whatever colors you choose
LOTS of hot glue sticks and a glue gun
a roll of tape
and a measuring stick
I measured my crepe paper strips at 24 inches, and ripped a BUNCH at that length, so I wouldn’t have to keep stopping, to rip more
Once that was done… and my glue gun was nice and hot, I started in on my flower makin’!
First I crumpled the strips up, to make them softer and more fabric looking…
Then I straighted them out….
And began to roll. Start small… and then get a little looser. Like a real rose.
About 4 or 5 turns in, I would put a dot of glue on the end, by my thumb, to keep this part from unraveling. I did this periodically through each flower at a couple turns, to make sure that the flower didn’t just fall apart, once I was done.
If you can see here. I would wind the paper around the middle base roll, and twist at the same time. So it looked MORE like a rose and LESS like a cinnamon roll.
This is SO easy! But a little time consuming. Be patient with the first few flowers. It takes a couple to get it down. But once you do… you’ll fly through them!
Here’s the end of the flower. I would just gather the end piece of crepe paper and then add a dab of glue to the outside of the flower, itself, and stick it on the edge.
Set it down… and let the glue do it’s magic!
So fun, right!?
Seriously, you CAN’T mess these up! I had some flowers that I was like “Ew.. that looks awful” and some that I LOVED and thought looked like the REAL thing! And now that the whole thing is together… you can’t tell one from the other!
After I had a few flowers done, I would start putting them on the ball.
I noticed that there were some with longer stems than others. Which made them a little more difficult to sit flat and nice on the ball form. So to avoid this I just ripped off the bottom!
Easy-peezy!
A little puddle of hot glue on the ball, lightly press the flower on… and you’re good to go!
I used a roll of tape to help keep my ball from rolling around on the table. It was a LIFE SAVER!
Make sure not to put the flowers TOO close together. Or they’ll start to look crowded.
This is how it will look about a quarter of the way finished!
So fun! CHEAP and Easy!
After they were all done, I had Cason help me hang them up.
I used some sheer, wired polkadot white ribbon, from Michaels craft store, and just some sewing push pins to adhere the ribbon to the ball.
Cason took two small nails, with heads and nailed them in the ceiling.
Wa-la! One corner of the room down!
Tips:
* You’re fingers WILL get burned. Work carefully. lol
* The styrofoam balls are strangely expensive? What’s up with that? I waited for coupons each week to buy all three. I also used a coupon to buy the ribbon.
* I found the pink and white crepe paper at Walmart for cheap!
The more “baby” blue color was harder to come by. I found it at Zurchers or Party city. They have LOTS of colors.
* Keep in mind the amount of crepe paper on the rolls you buy. There is NOTHING more annoying than running out of supplies in the middle of a project… I KNOW. It happened with the white AND the blue! Crepe paper is cheap! buy more than you’ll THINK you need.
* I used two whole rolls of pink
* One and a half rolls of white
* And 2 rolls of blue (only because it came with less in each package at Zurchers)
Also, check out this fun spring wreath, that I made, using this same technique!
Also, check out this fun spring wreath, that I made, using this same technique!
Patricia says
these are absolutely beautiful!
you really did a wonderful job with them and thank you so much for sharing the tutorial with all of us!
i am going to bookmark this for future reference!
blessings
patricia
Tammy@InStitches says
Very Pretty ! It looks very time consuming. You must have a lot of patience.
So Sunny Day says
WOW WOW WOW! just stunning. Great tutorial as well- thanks for sharing!
~ Emily N. from "too Blessed to Stress"
Urban Stylist In the Country... says
Lovely job! Enjoyed the instructions. Thank-you!
Mandi @ Sweetly Home says
K seriously, these are so awesome. They look like little fabric flowers. Love this! I'm working on creating a scrapbook.craft room for myself and I am so making these for decoration. Great tutorial. Thanks!!
Allison Shops says
Cute, Cute, Cute! Bookmarking this for later!
I hope you'll drop by AtticMag to tour my home.
Allison
Unknown says
Oh Yeah!!!! These are more than gorgeous! I'm in love! I will feature these tomorrow at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "featured" button.
Denissa says
ADORABLE!! Love em'!! Don't think I would have the patience, though..lol 🙂
Randi~Dukes and Duchesses says
What a cute idea. Great decor for a girl's room.
Ronda Batchelor says
Awesome! I'll come see them soon! You are just moving on your girls rooms.
Julie from JulieChats says
Very Pretty! I think I could do this in my daughter's room, but use a variety of bright colors on the balls. And I hear you about the expensive balls, so strange, why are they so pricey? We bought some for my daughter to make into planets and wondered why they cost more than all the other supplies put together????
I'm stopping by from Today's Creative. Just signed up to follow you! Stop & visit when you get a chance. I'm always looking for a few more crafty followers! juliechats.blogspot.com
Kimberly says
These are so great! I've got a cupcake exchange coming up, and these will be great for decorations. Thank you for sharing!!!
Unknown says
I love these paper flower balls!
Kim @ frostmeblog.blogspot.com
party inspiration
Magic Brush says
Oh wow. been wanting to find something like this for a church thing that I am decorating for. That looks like alooooooot of work! But so cute!
Maggie says
I love these!!!
I've got a couple of topiary forms that would look adorable with your roses on them.
LuckyStarErin says
beautiful! I love these spring colors, too. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
erin@luckystarlane.com
Cyndi says
Those flower balls are absolutely gorgeous! What a great idea. I have a feeling that other bloggers are going to put their own spin on this idea, much like the wreaths made out of book pages that have been on so many blogs these past few weeks. It'll be interesting to see what turns up. Love your originals!
Sonia says
I love those flowers that you made.I recently cut several butterfly shapes out of paper, and was thinking of sticking them to styrofoam balls, but this idea is so tempting!!
gail@My Repurposed Life says
gorgeous! great tutorial. These WILL be all over blogland! (for sure)
gail
Rhonda says
Those are so stinkin cute!!
Beth says
These would be amazing for a wedding or shower. THANKS!
Ally says
These are GORGEOUS. I've done crepe paper cherry blossoms, so I know they are time consuming, but so rewarding!
Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com says
Those are DARLING Shelley! I love that! I am excited to have you guest post!
XOXO
Jen
Anonymous says
Can't wait to see how you dismantled the chandelier. I bought the same one for my daughter's room and it does hang too low!!
Jen says
Very cute and oh so pretty! Great tutorial also! Saw you on DIY day at ASPTL
Melanie @ Whimsical Creations says
So pretty!
brokeintrovert says
Love these. Craft store clerk said that styrofoam products are so expensive because it is a petroleum product.
Valerie says
I.love.this! So, so creative! I was just thinking the same thing about the flower balls, but the $$ was a little daunting. I actually prefer this look better anyway! 🙂
I am filing this at thecraftersfilebox.com. Thanks so much for sharing!
Jess says
Oh my gosh I love these!!! If I have a girl (won't know until the birth in May) I will definitely make these for her room!
Tiffany | Making the World Cuter says
So pretty! I love how these turned out!
-Tiff
Crystal says
love them they are precious
Just Rhonda says
WOW these are awesome!!! I am soooo making some!
Sylvia (at) Lily's Pad and Petals says
So pretty and worth the time – the effect is fabulous.
Erin says
So perfect and cute! You can't tell that they aren't Pottery Barn. I linked to them on my blog. Thank you.
Erin
frostedsquare.blogspot.com/2010/03/crepe-paper-rose-balls.html
Danielle Flanders says
your balls turned out fabulous!! i can't wait to make some for my daughter's room also..just haven't had time yet, but they are so cute hanging from the ceiling. glad i could inspire you!
danielle
Jess says
Those are great. I just found you from {Love Stitched}. I will be following you now. Those would look great on a wreath form too. I am always on the look out for cut wreath ideas.
Hugs,
~Jess
LollyChops says
I totally love this! This created stunning results and your tutorial was very easy to follow!
Thanks for sharing!
Jen Wade says
Hey Girl, I just saw you on studio 5. I am doing a girls nursery and will be doing these crepe paper balls for sure!! I watched your "current visitors go from 40 something to 70 something ha ha, people are loving it!! I am also a local blogger … barely getting my blog going, so I'm all over this kind of thing right now… your blog is great!!! Lots of cute ideas I will be checking back in on you… and looking at more when I have more time… I'm litterally typing in a towel… just got out of the shower and saw your cute and idea and you are adorable… anyways thanks for the fun ideas! I'll give myself a plug too ha ha refreshreuseredo.blogspot.com
L.A. Harker says
I work for KSL and got to make the commercial for the Studio 5 episode you were on. I fell in love with your project and just bought the stuff to do it! I'm so excited about it! P.S. Watched the segment on Studio 5 and you did GREAT!
Honey I'm Home Blog says
Shelley, I loved seeing you do these on Studio 5. I tried it with book pages (to go with my book page wreath–also from Studio 5)–it worked pretty well. Thanks!
Nathalie says
This is so pretty !
Hello,
I would like to make a link on my website to your tutorial…is it possible to use one of your picture for this link ?
Thanks for your answer.
Anonymous says
Hi Shelly!!! I'm totally addicted with your blog now and all renovations! Saw you on Studio 5 told my mom and sister in law in Brazil about it and they are doing these very cute Flower balls for a Baptism and also for my sister's birthday! So fun!!! Thanks for sharing! Thought you would like to know that! Thanks!
Nicole says
Made this for a YW at church. So cute. And easy to do once you get the hang of it. Great idea! Thanks!
Thrifty Decor Chick says
These are beautiful! I'm putting these on my Facebook page!
Emilia Osorio says
This is beautiful!!!
Love it!!!
Emilia
Fun Playroom
Christian and Karen Robinson says
I saw the ad for Studio 5 and when I saw the roses, I searched their website until I found the clip. I love these! Now, hopefully I can make them.
Amanda Lee says
These are so pretty! We used to make crepe paper roses for wreaths back in the eighties, but I like the pom pom idea a lot more! I love to see techniques being rediscovered, and applied with a new twist (and hate that I'm old enough to see the cycles). My great aunts covered decorative crepe paper pillows with crepe paper roses back in the Great Depression (no, I'm not that old — they told me about them), and this post reminded me of those lovely ladies.
Beautiful pom poms, great blog!
Erin A says
These are so beautiful!! I used your tutorial to make a mobile for my little niece, and it turned out so beautiful! Have a look if you'd like. Thanks for the inspiration and tutorial!
lemontreecreations.blogspot.com/2010/03/rosette-mobile.html
TR says
hi! I recently found your blog and I love it! Thanks for sharing. Paper roses are genius! I wanted to email you some pictures but couldn't find any contact info. Could you email me at pumpkinwater[at]yahoo.com? Thanks!
Tracy
Darlene S. says
How beautiful! Thanks!
Alison @ Oopsey Daisy says
What a fabulous idea!! I featured this tutorial on my blog today, highlighting 3 dozen flower tutorials. Here is the link:
oopsey-daisy.blogspot.com/2010/04/wednesdays-wowzers-3-dozen-flower.html
Thanks for the inspiration!!
Carolyn Peeler says
Danielle is a DT member for us at Melissa Frances and came up with that awesome idea for using our crepe paper which inspired all of us at the company. We are so happy to see that she inspired you as well. Your versions look wonderful – great photography of your steps too!
enjoy the rest of your week ☺
Amanda says
These are totally gorgeous. I just LOVE those roses!!
Kirby and Tara Farnsworth says
hey, I would like to know how big is your biggest ball/smallest ball that you used? Thanks!
michelle@somedaycrafts says
Love this post!! We featured you at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com please come and grab a button!!
HOMESWEETHOME says
I love it ! thanks for all the detailed explanations ! I'll try..not sure to be patient enough !! Thanks again
Stephanie Cameron says
So, so, so pretty!! I super love it!
Samantha @ The Douangphilas says
I used your technique but on wreath! Turned out great thanks for the crepe roses idea 🙂
paperflowerdrive.blogspot.com/2010/05/rose-wreath.html
Mere says
I'm currently attempting a project like yours, inspired by this of course 😉 I noticed that your flowers look like the top of the crepe paper is folded down…mine look like flowers, but not really like roses. Any technique tips?
Robin Sanchez says
I love your tutorial……here is my version.
onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.com/2010/05/little-green-tree.html
Robin
Stacy says
I found your blog by a google search and I'm so glad I stopped by! I'm obsessed with this project now. I cannot wait to try it. I have big plans for these roses! Thank you! Yours are amazing!
Caitlin says
I'm making a wreath out of these tonight!!! I'm super excited!
Anonymous says
Over the past few months I have been making these nonstop! I'm hoping to have a couple hundred done to hang around the tent at my wedding. They look absolutely beautiful so far! Thanks for sharing! I think this will be the perfect touch I needed!
Jenn Erickson says
What a fabulou tutorial. I love this project. I've been looking for the perfect decoration for my sister's baby shower, and this fits the bill perfectly! Thank you. I found you by way of How About Orange. So glad I did! Best, Jenn
Martina says
Wow, his is fab! Will use the next rainy day for a try!
Jess says
I AM DYING at the cuteness factor on these. BEAUTIFUL… I will be making this for my daughters room.
Heather says
I am over the moon with excitement that I found your DIY for these! I have twin girls myself and we are re-doing their room from baby/crib room to big girl/toddler rooms. This will be perfect! I'm so excited. Thanks so much!
Amy {The Idea Room} says
Ahhh! Love these! I was searching the internet looking for ideas for my daughters room and found your blog! I am definetly going to be having a good look around. I love how fresh and clean your blog looks.
Unknown says
Love these! Will be linking this to my blog to share.
Erin says
These are so cute! I posted your tutorial on my blog today:
leeanderin.blogspot.com/p/create-your-own.html
Chelsea says
I know you all ready have a million comments on this…but I love it! This is perfect! I am decorating my daughters room and this is so pretty! I am going to link you to my blog, craftersanonymousclub.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Tania says
Love this idea and your blog!!!
Claire says
I just love these. Thanks for sharing how easy they are to make. What a wonderful economic decoration to make for a wedding or other event.
Anonymous says
What size Styrofoam balls did you use?? They don't look too expensive on Amazon..
Unknown says
Hai all r cute .see my works at
kasthuriscreations.blogspot.com/
Ami Allison says
I found you from Oopsey Daisy's blog! I love this and her wreath that she made from your tutorial. I think I am going to do both!!!! 🙂 I'm following you now!!
alililly.blogspot.com/
Rose says
wow, these look great!
Rose
Unknown says
What a great idea – I can think of many reasons to make these – weddings, birthday parties, Christmas decorations… fabulous!
🙂
ButterYum
Sandy Ang says
They are beautiful !
Anonymous says
Thanks so much for this idea! I'm making 10 for my wedding – 5 each side of the isle on bow peep hooks sprayed white then rose pettals at the base to form the isle decorations! i love them theyre so cute!
creativejewishmom/Sara says
I see you did these months ago, but I've just seen them and they are gorgeous! I've done the same thing with felt roses, but I love the look of these too….I'm going to link to this on my international blog linking party today, and would love to see you there sometime too, every Sunday thru Wed@creativejewishmom.com all the best!
Camille says
I just made my first of these. Thank you for a great idea! The cost of the crepe paper allowed me to do this! check out my results!
allaboutmommies.blogspot.com
Anonymous says
I love these balls, going to make some to hang for my booth at the craft fair. Is it ok if I borrow a pic so I can show my friends on facebook?
Andrea Ackerman says
This is Great! I am going to use this idea for my wedding! Down here in South Texas, real flowers and humidity do not mix!
Margaret Ivory - Ivory Pearl Bridal Mall says
I love these hanging balls. Real flowers can be expensive. Great idea. Thanks for the info.
CandaceAshley says
These flowers are beautiful, I would have never thought about making flowers from this sort of paper. What a great idea, very vintage ; )
Unknown says
Thank you for sharing this idea – I made pink and white ones for my wedding reception – no-one believed I'd made them
Anne-Marie
xx
Everyday Art says
So cute and great instructions! I saw something similar at Pottery Barn a few years ago (only felt) and have had it logged away in my mind forever–now I see an easy (much cheaper) way of pulling it off. My girls' room is going to be adorable!!! 🙂
-Jaime
Trimble says
Thank you for the tutorial. Just made a few for Valentine's Day. My little boys loved helping me squish the paper too! 🙂
Court says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THESE!!! It took me a while but I got them done and they look darling in my daughters room. I post about them on my blog.
My Silhouette arrived last night!!! I am super excited to get started with all the fun projects! I owe ya big time. I am posting about it tonight after my first project.
frog2fab.blogspot.com/2011/02/rose-balls-for-miss-b.html
Sarah says
These are super cute. I cannot wait to try my hand at paper roses. Your post is inspiring and helpful.
Megan@Just For Me...And You says
I hope you don'y mind, but I copied your idea. I posted mine on my blog and linked my readers back to you 🙂
justformeandyou2.blogspot.com/2011/02/rosette-balls-tutorial.html
Donna@My Sweet Things says
I made tissue roses last Friday night! It took me a few trys to get the rolling part right but once I got started it went pretty quickly. I bought the crepe paper at the dollar store. Two rolls for a dollar. They also had styrofoam balls. I stuck a wood dowel in and made a topiary. You did a great job!
Unknown says
Love, love, love! I was thinking of doing something similar with old sweaters. But this is much easier! I have an Alice and Wonderland themed invitation photo shoot I will be doing. Now I have my topiary ideas! I will make sure to tag you in that when it is complete!
Cherry Blossoms says
Very cute. I want to try and make the rose wreath. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sarah Jordan says
Wow! They are gorgeous. Can't wait to make some.
Sarah says
I love it! Love the blog, love everything! I'm new here so I can't wait till I have time to look around : )
cutesycouture says
Thanks Tomkat for sharing! I will be adding this to my list of favorite new blogs!
Crafty Texas Girl says
Gorgeous! I will be making these. Love the tips too- "your fingers will get burned!" 🙂 🙂
craftytexasgirls.blogspot.com
* Taci * says
Beautiful beautiful beautiful blog!! I would really like to swap homes with you and feel free to redecorate mine while your visiting (ugh!)
<3 following now!! 🙂
Emilee & Jordan says
These are ADORABLE! I wish i saw them before v-day but they will be perfect for spring as well!!! Thanks for the awesome idea and Im new to your blog, but SOO glad I found it! 🙂
Shabby Soul says
I adore the spring wreath on the "Spring" board. It is a beautiful combination!
The Sewist says
Hi Shelley
I just decorated a styrofoam ball using your tutorial check my blog for pics.
sewchicandunique.com/2011/04/decorating-my-small-sewing-space-on-a-budget/
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Mayya @ Sew Chic and Unique
Anonymous says
Just wanting to let you know I gave you credit at:
naptimecreativetherapy.blogspot.com/2011/04/cates-birth-sign.html
Anonymous says
You've been featured! Grab a button and show off if you'd like, they're at the bottom of my blog. Here's the link if you'd like to check out the post or follow back. 🙂 Heather 500dollarwedding.blogspot.com/
leez says
hey.. thats sooooo cute.. im gonna make the flower ball for my next project for wedding. all these time i've been using artificial flower to make a flower ball and that was a bit expensive. thank you for your great idea!
Amy says
Thank you! I was looking for exactly this tutorial! I love the crepe paper balls and I love the wreath!
Celia says
I am a recent follower and just finished trying to make these roses to compliment a frame. I am using my non burned fingers though… Lol. Not sure how far back you all read these posts but I really wanted to comment how cool I think your stuff is. Thx. cms
Krasimira Ganeva says
Great tutorial! Thank you for it! I shared it in my blog and link it back to you
krasart.com/2011/09/11/diy-flower-ball-by-thehouseofsmiths/
Kristina says
I am having the hardest time with this…any tips? Have tried for three nights straight and am still not getting it. I think I am doing something wrong with the twisting. Can you clarify how often you twist as you are wrapping? Your roses end up with a more "open" feel whereas mine are more tight and closed. Any tips?
mzkitn says
was wondering how these would turn out using tissue paper instead?
Robin says
Just finished 4 of 6 of these for a friends baby shower this weekend! I really feel like I'm getting the hang of it by now! 😉 But, boy, are my fingers blistered! Yowch!! They look amazing, though! Thanks so much for posting this.
Colleen says
SO so so pretty but I am wondering if I'd have the patience! lol…
TM Griffin says
Love the look! I was looking for something else to do for an event besides the tulle puffs. FYI For all the crafters..If you are going to be making alot of these..you would do better purchasing from a styrofoam manufacturer. I use styro cake dummies for displays and the stores near me charge a fortune for them. I order them from dallasfoamonline.com. or you can just google styrofoam forms and other will come up also..
Anonymous says
Now I know what I'm going to be attempting when I get back from my vacation! Thank you for the awesome idea and the tips! Will definitely fill you in when I attempt this. Will probably make a post about it too 🙂
That Cute Little Cake says
Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial. I have just used it to create a red paper flower ball for my Valentine's Day table and it looks fabulous. I have linked back to you from thatcutelittlecake.blogspot.com/
Benhurum says
These are awesome! You did a great job 🙂 thank you so much for sharing.
Janice says
I can not do this for the life of me lol Still trying..I can't get the twisty part right..lol
Ginny and Paul says
Just came across this blogg love it!! I use mini command strip hooks to hang decorations from the ceiling so I don't damage them
Lynn Youells says
This is beautiful… I am gonna do this for my friends wedding…since it is outside they would look beautiful hanging from the trees.
The Yellow Door says
These take forever!! So yes you must have patience. I made purple and white ones for a friends bridal shower, originally I wanted to make 6, but after finding out how time consuming it was i went with only 3! Also we used wiffle balls, so I didn't have to cut the ends off of them, i just put them right in the holes in the wiffle ball and it worked perfectly! in the end we filled a couple of spaces with extra flowers, but it was pretty simple!
missamanda says
I saw these one day while I was cruising around the interwebs…I made them and put them on top of candle pillars….too cute and I know what you mean about the surprising cost of the Styrofoam balls….I thought it was weird too LOL
missamanda says
I saw these one day while I was cruising around the interwebs…I made them and put them on top of candle pillars….too cute and I know what you mean about the surprising cost of the Styrofoam balls….I thought it was weird too LOL
missamanda says
I saw these on the interwebs a while back and I made them and put them on top of candle pillars. I still want to hang some but they ARE time consuming. I totally agree with you on the crazy price of the styrofoam balls….I thought that they'd be cheaper for sure and you can get two rolls of streamers at a dollar store for a dollar…just a fyi. Thanks for sharing with us!!
Ellen Taylor says
fab tutorial! TFS
Unknown says
These are really cute! We have something similar on our blog. sistersplayinghouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/home-week-paper-pom-poms.html
Unknown says
what a great idea! so pretty!
~*Toya~** says
I love how cute these are!! I'm doing something similar on my blog with coffee filters. I call it decorative origami mylifeinwords.jux.com/ I hope you'll check it out when you get a chance. I love your site!!
Unknown says
From where I can buy the foam ball in India
Unknown says
from where i can buy foam ball in India.
Unknown says
so cool trying with my daughter having so much fun 🙂